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Specialized launches new Roval wheels at Tour Down Under

MORGAN HILL, Calif. (BRAIN) — At the Tour Down Under this week, Specialized is launching a new range of Roval wheels, being used by the Bora-Hansgrohe and Quick-Step Floors teams.

The Roval CLX 50 has 50mm-deep rim; wheelset weights range from 1,230-1,425 grams depending on configuration. The CLX 50 is intended as an all-around road wheelset with a balance between lightweight, aerodynamics, and handling.

"Quick-Step, Sagan, Majka and many other top riders have been on Roval wheels for some time now and overwhelmingly their feedback has been that they love the great performance and low weight. Now, with the new CLX 50, we've delivered even more ability to optimize bike setup for each unique stage profile or riding scenario. In a game where every inch counts, our goal is to find that extra edge, without sacrificing any durability," said Jeremy Thompson of Roval Components.

For the disc brake clincher variant, the rim brake track and associated material and construction were deleted and a more impact resistant material and a unique layup were employed to improve impact strength. This also resulted in a rim that is up to 20 grams lighter than the corresponding rim brake rims, helping to offset some of the additional weight of disc brake systems.

The wheels use the new Roval AF (Aero Flange) hubs, with wide bracing angles and 2:1 lacing pattern. Hub internals are DT Swiss' 240s with the Star Ratchet and as with all Roval CLX level wheels, CLX 50s come equipped with CeramicSpeed bearings. The CLX 50 has an inner rim width of 20.7mm and is tubeless compatible out of the box. Lightweight tubeless plugs seal each spoke hole individually. Every wheel ships with a set of tubeless plugs and an alloy tubeless valve stem.

The wheels have external nipples allowing minor truing adjustments without having to remove the tire.